By: Jay Mittelman
Last Updated on June 6, 2025
Today’s employees expect more than just a paycheck. Competitive salaries are important, but the real game-changer? Benefits that show you see them as whole people, not just workers. From supporting growing families to encouraging wellness and financial security, creative employee benefits aren’t just trendy perks: they’re a strategic way to attract and retain great people.
In this article, we’ve compiled 30+ inspiring benefit ideas to help your company stand out from the competition. Whether you're a small business or an enterprise employer, these options can help you build a stronger culture, improve retention, and show your team that you value what matters most to them.
Gone are the days when job seekers were happy just to be hired. In today’s hiring landscape, benefits can be the deciding factor for top candidates. According to a LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report, 94% of employees would stay longer at a company that invests in their development.
But this isn’t just about attracting talent. These perks increase engagement, boost morale, and help reduce costly turnover.
New baby bonuses or paid parental leave
Fertility and adoption assistance (egg freezing, surrogacy support)
Private lactation rooms and child care subsidies
On-site or discounted daycare
College savings or tuition assistance for children
Elder care support: on-site assistance or coordination services
Telehealth access and mental health apps
On-site medical centers or fitness studios
Gym reimbursements, massage therapy, and acupuncture
Healthy meal delivery stipends
Free or subsidized therapy sessions
Employees want to feel good, mentally and physically. Benefits that reduce stress and promote well-being go a long way toward improving performance and satisfaction.
Financial planning resources, including debt counseling and identity theft protection
Student loan repayment assistance
Emergency savings programs
Discounts on auto, home, or pet insurance
Unlimited vacation days or extra PTO for birthdays
Summer Fridays or 3-day weekends
Remote work stipends or internet reimbursements
Personal assistant services or laundry pickup
Dog-friendly offices & pet insurance
Bring-your-dog-to-work days
Tuition reimbursement and education stipends
Language and ESL programs
Mentorship programs and leadership training
Conference attendance and industry events
When you invest in employees’ futures, they’re more likely to invest in yours. Build a loyal team with clear development pathways.
Want to add something quirky and memorable to your benefits mix? Consider these fun or unusual perks that employees love:
Surfing breaks during the workday
Free mechanical bull rides (!)
Bi-monthly chair massages
Season passes to local ski resorts
Green rewards (e.g., for installing solar panels)
Concierge services or errand assistance
On-site childcare or tutoring
Housing assistance or relocation stipends
These may sound outlandish, but for the right workforce, they create loyalty and goodwill that money alone can’t buy.
With distributed work here to stay, benefits must go beyond the office walls. Consider:
Virtual fitness or meditation classes
Slack channels for interest groups
Team bonding trips or virtual game nights
Flexible scheduling options
Access to asynchronous telehealth and therapy services
Managing a dispersed workforce? Check out our Advanced Scheduler and Time & Labor solutions to streamline shift planning.
Employees appreciate the freedom to pick what works best for them. Consider offering:
Pet insurance
Long-term care insurance
Identity theft protection
Voluntary disability plans
These allow employees to customize their coverage, often with little or no cost to the employer.
You don’t need to offer every benefit on this list to make a difference. Even adding just a few thoughtful, creative perks can show your employees that you care about their lives, goals, and well-being.
Start with what aligns with your company values, and use feedback from your team to evolve your offering. And remember, streamlined HR tools make benefits management easier.
Want to offer better benefits without the administrative burden?
Also read: The Complete Guide to Employee Scheduling
©2025 - Content on this blog is intended to provide helpful, general information. Because laws and regulations evolve, please consult an HR professional or legal expert for guidance specific to your situation.